Feeling ‘Not Good Enough’ in Coin Collecting: My Journey with Fantasy Strikes and Collector Conflicts

I’ve collected coins for years, but recently I had a humbling moment that made me question my own expertise. There I was, convinced I’d found an ultra-rare 1958 Philadelphia doubled die… only to discover it was actually a modern artist’s creation. That sting of feeling “not good enough” taught me more about authenticity, collector disagreements, and keeping perspective in this hobby than any textbook could.

The Allure and Peril of Fantasy Strikes

Fantasy pieces like Dan Carr’s work can fool even experienced eyes. Take his Ike dollar overstruck on a Susan B. Anthony dollar—a clever “what if” imagining Eisenhower still on the coin in 1979. When I first spotted the VDB on the reverse, my pulse raced until research revealed the truth: these are artistic tributes, not lost rarities. With some designs allegedly limited to three pieces, the hype feels real. Here’s what I’d tell fellow collectors:

• Always double-check with NGC or PCGS before buying—seller stories and forum buzz aren’t proof
• Since many fantasy strikes overlay real coins, grading gets tricky; focus on condition and provenance instead of rarity claims
• These occupy a niche market—knowing their backstory prevents expensive mix-ups, especially for newcomers

Embracing Diverse Collecting Preferences

Nothing reveals how personal this hobby is like watching collectors debate fantasy coins. Some adore their creativity—that Ike/SBA hybrid actually looks better to me than the real Anthony dollar! Others dismiss them as “fake junk” that confuses beginners. I’ve learned it’s fine to dislike a coin’s design, but attacking someone’s choice misses the point. These days, if I disagree with a fellow collector, I share my thoughts politely and move on. After all, what matters is what brings you joy in your collection. A couple observations:

• Build what excites you—whether it’s gold bullion, colonial history, or artistic fantasies
• Signed pieces or those with certificates hold value better and prevent confusion, so look for artist markings

Handling Conflicts and Building Confidence

Online criticism amplified my “not good enough” moment, but I found ways through it. Authenticity debates can spiral into obsession—is it counterfeit or art? I’ve found stating facts works best, like suggesting artists clearly sign their work so everyone knows it’s not genuine. For grading these unconventional pieces, condition reports make more sense than numerical grades. My hard-earned advice for staying grounded:

• When in doubt, hit the books—sites like CoinFacts or trusted dealers clarify things fast
• In arguments, lean on evidence from reliable sources rather than opinions
• Sometimes walking away saves energy—you’ll learn more studying your next acquisition than winning internet battles

Looking back, that initial insecurity faded once I embraced the learning process. Coin collecting isn’t about perfection—it’s about the hunt and honoring what speaks to you. If you ever feel inadequate, remember: research what fascinates you, curate pieces you love, and let your collection tell your story.